Gear Review: STM Velo 2 Medium Laptop Shoulder Bag
Posted on December 24, 2013 by
The new STM Velo 2 is a do-it-all kind of messenger bag that is deceivingly chock full of features. Don't let the "Velo" name fool you into thinking this is just another bike styled messenger bag. It could easily be used as one, though. But it's features and styling make it equally useful as a travel bag, or a school or work bag. It's minimal and sophisticated, but not stuffy and fuddy-duddy.
The shoulder strap rotates, eliminating one of my eternal frustrations with shoulder straps that are always getting twisted. They are not removable, however. Well, I should say that it's HALF removable; one side has a sophisticated latch to allow it to be removed, but the other is permanently stitched on. Not quite sure what to make of that.
There's also a beefy handle with a cushioned underside in case you want to carry it briefcase style. Below that is a loop for hanging on a hook. On the top of the front flap is a fleece-lined pocket for a cell phone or other items, to save you from having to open the bag for the things you want to grab quickly. The front flap has a small reflective tag on the piping. On the bottom of the bag is loop for attaching a bike light. The back of the bag has a full-width padded sleeve pocket, with a zippered opening on the bottom to allow the bag to slide down onto a rolling luggage handle - one of my favorite features. Wrapped over this sleeve is a buckled strap. I didn't realize what this was for at first, but it's an optional waist strap for stabilizing the bag against you. While I like the idea, the excess straps are left dangling, simply rolled up with a rubber band. Perhaps it would be better if the waist strap could be removable, or at least come with stash pockets on each side to get them out of the way.
On the side of the bag is the zippered laptop pocket, with 1/2" padded felt foam pads to keep it protected. What a cool idea! The pocket will fit most 15" laptops.
Wrapping up the external features is another cool feature - zippered pouch pockets on both sides of the bag where the shoulder straps connect. These can hold an umbrella or a water bottle. I even managed to fit a wide 32oz bottle, though it was snug. Each pouch has a wide, daisy-chain style loop inside.
Moving inside the bag now, you'll notice the front flap is secured by quick-release buckles that are nicely tucked underneath and out of the way. But wait, you're not quite in to the large, inner pocket yet. The flap is securable by a zipper about halfway up the height of the flap. This gives access to two adjacent pockets. The larger pocket, enclosed by dual-zippers, contains organization pockets for pens, business cards and a key chain clip, and a mesh, sealed pocket. So far, you have access to so many potential items without even needing to enter the large pocket.
Inside the large storage pouch you'll find even more storage compartments: three stretchy, open pockets, a daisy-chain loop, the main compartment itself, a full-width open sleeve pocket, and finally - a dedicated, felt-lined pocket for a tablet computer. With all of the storage options, I'm not even sure what I would even need to store in the main pocket.
Almost all of the zippers on the bag, made by YKK, have a rubbery toggle with an elastic cord, making it easy to find and open if you're wearing gloves.
The Velo 2 is a sleek, well made, versatile bag that conceals a ton of options. Cool enough for street cred, but professional enough to impress in the office. It's obvious the designers put a lot of thought into what a wide variety of users would want in a bike and travel bag. Though, it could be improved by making the shoulder and waist straps removable. Nevertheless, you can't go wrong with this bag for travel or every day use.
main material(s): 300D velocity poly
lining: 200D water resistant polyester (laptop: 200g brushed nylex)
device space: 9.8 x 14.3 x 0.9 in / 24.9 x 36.4 x 2.4 cm
outer dimensions: 19.7 x 14.6 x 7.5 in / 50 x 37 x 19 cm
capacity: 1220.5 cu in / 20 L
weight: 2.8 lb / 1.2 kg
available colors: grey, blue, or black
Available from:
STM website
The shoulder strap rotates, eliminating one of my eternal frustrations with shoulder straps that are always getting twisted. They are not removable, however. Well, I should say that it's HALF removable; one side has a sophisticated latch to allow it to be removed, but the other is permanently stitched on. Not quite sure what to make of that.
There's also a beefy handle with a cushioned underside in case you want to carry it briefcase style. Below that is a loop for hanging on a hook. On the top of the front flap is a fleece-lined pocket for a cell phone or other items, to save you from having to open the bag for the things you want to grab quickly. The front flap has a small reflective tag on the piping. On the bottom of the bag is loop for attaching a bike light. The back of the bag has a full-width padded sleeve pocket, with a zippered opening on the bottom to allow the bag to slide down onto a rolling luggage handle - one of my favorite features. Wrapped over this sleeve is a buckled strap. I didn't realize what this was for at first, but it's an optional waist strap for stabilizing the bag against you. While I like the idea, the excess straps are left dangling, simply rolled up with a rubber band. Perhaps it would be better if the waist strap could be removable, or at least come with stash pockets on each side to get them out of the way.
On the side of the bag is the zippered laptop pocket, with 1/2" padded felt foam pads to keep it protected. What a cool idea! The pocket will fit most 15" laptops.
Wrapping up the external features is another cool feature - zippered pouch pockets on both sides of the bag where the shoulder straps connect. These can hold an umbrella or a water bottle. I even managed to fit a wide 32oz bottle, though it was snug. Each pouch has a wide, daisy-chain style loop inside.
Moving inside the bag now, you'll notice the front flap is secured by quick-release buckles that are nicely tucked underneath and out of the way. But wait, you're not quite in to the large, inner pocket yet. The flap is securable by a zipper about halfway up the height of the flap. This gives access to two adjacent pockets. The larger pocket, enclosed by dual-zippers, contains organization pockets for pens, business cards and a key chain clip, and a mesh, sealed pocket. So far, you have access to so many potential items without even needing to enter the large pocket.
Inside the large storage pouch you'll find even more storage compartments: three stretchy, open pockets, a daisy-chain loop, the main compartment itself, a full-width open sleeve pocket, and finally - a dedicated, felt-lined pocket for a tablet computer. With all of the storage options, I'm not even sure what I would even need to store in the main pocket.
Almost all of the zippers on the bag, made by YKK, have a rubbery toggle with an elastic cord, making it easy to find and open if you're wearing gloves.
The Velo 2 is a sleek, well made, versatile bag that conceals a ton of options. Cool enough for street cred, but professional enough to impress in the office. It's obvious the designers put a lot of thought into what a wide variety of users would want in a bike and travel bag. Though, it could be improved by making the shoulder and waist straps removable. Nevertheless, you can't go wrong with this bag for travel or every day use.
SPECS:
main material(s): 300D velocity poly
lining: 200D water resistant polyester (laptop: 200g brushed nylex)
device space: 9.8 x 14.3 x 0.9 in / 24.9 x 36.4 x 2.4 cm
outer dimensions: 19.7 x 14.6 x 7.5 in / 50 x 37 x 19 cm
capacity: 1220.5 cu in / 20 L
weight: 2.8 lb / 1.2 kg
available colors: grey, blue, or black
Available from:
STM website
